Policy Director - Department of Safety

City and County of Denver•Denver, CO

8h•$109,134 - $180,071

About The Position

Application Deadline: This position is expected to stay open until Wednesday, February 11th, 2026. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than Wednesday, February 11th at 5:00PM. The City and County of Denver is looking to hire a Director within the Department of Public Safety. This leader will report into the office of the Executive Director and align under its Public Safety Transformation and Policy Division. This individual will drive system transformation and serve as a key collaborator with public safety stakeholders and partners to effectuate positive change.

Requirements

Experience conducting and supervising complex policy research and analysis.
Excellent advocacy, consensus-building, coalition-building, and leadership skills, and the demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with stakeholders ranging from front-line personnel, elected officials, uniform public safety and first responders, and civilian staff from a wide range of agencies and subject matter expertise .
Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral; experience as a public spokesperson and advocate; ability to analyze and articulate legal concepts and other complex issues and to communicate them to a variety of audiences; a “quick study” on a dynamic array of issues.
Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, producing consistent, quality work and adjusting to frequently changing demands.
Strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills, and the ability to manage a fast-paced work environment and a team of high-performing professionals is essential.
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise good judgment under stressful situations.
Excellent organization and time management skills to manage and oversee work, as well as assure timely completion of assignments and projects.
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage both personnel and a heavy work-load .
Ability to mobilize diverse internal and external partners.
The ability to think on her/his feet while maintaining diplomacy.
Proven experience in successfully navigating a complex matrixed environment.
Demonstrated experience of a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
Highly organized, self-motivated and motivated to help others.
Extensive experience in a leadership role representing an organization on issues of public safety transformation.
Familiarity with issues related to gentrification and displacement and law enforcement/community relations and an understanding of how these issues have specifically impacted Denver neighborhoods.
At least 3-5 years of experience working in government, outreach, community engagement, or legislative affairs.
At least 3-5 years analyzing, writing, and implementing policy.
At least 3-5 years working directly with elected officials, executives, appointees, or similar.
Experience working directly with system stakeholders ( e.g. law enforcement agencies, courts, prosecution, defense, and community and faith-based organizations) and elected officials is strongly preferred.
A Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Public Policy (MPP), or Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree.
Bachelor's Degree in a related field based on a specific position(s).
Five (5) years of experience at the type and level of functional or operational management, which must have included management of subordinate supervisors.
By position, requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application.
By position, must obtain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) clearance within the probationary period.
Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.
Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with system stakeholders, community, and leadership to identify and implement innovative policies, procedures and legislation.
Leading initiatives that reduce the use of jail, assist victims of crime, improve public safety responses, and promote racial, economic, and social justice within public safety processes.
Collaborating with a variety of stakeholders (e.g., law enforcement, community members and organizations, defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, elected officials, etc.) to effectuate needed public safety transformation.
Advocate for legislation that supports community without unintended operational consequences.
Facilitating participation in relevant system stakeholder and partner meetings and providing on-going updates to executive leadership and key personnel regarding legislative and policy trends and issues.
Supervising and working closely with researchers, data analysts and policy experts on multiple project-specific activities, including the development of performance indicators and data-driven strategies.
Conducting and/or overseeing briefings and presentations to Department executive leadership, elected officials, community members, and other stakeholders.
Drafting, revising and editing reports, briefing materials, presentations, talking points, and other collateral.
Collaborating with leadership on the planning and implementation of new and ongoing public safety policy initiatives.
Responsive to information requests from elected officials and other stakeholders.
Ensuring all data and responsive materials are well-organized, updated and accessible.
Providing leadership, along with other staff and partner organizations in the development and implementation of policy priorities and strategy.
Collaborating and cultivating relationships with key policymakers and influencers in service of our agenda and our partners.
Establish and maintain strong partnerships and meaningful relationships with personnel throughout the Department of Public Safety and City agencies.
Serve as the department’s legislative liaison on local, state, and federal policy matters, managing inquiries on behalf of the Executive Director’s Office.
Build and maintain relationships with City Council Members and Council Aides and serve as the primary point of contact in the Executive Director’s Office for all City Council related matters, including legislative bills, Council inquiries, and information/relationship management.
Build and maintain relationships with legislative liaisons, lobbyists, and other stakeholders and serve as the primary point of contact in the Executive Director’s Office for all State and federal legislative matters.
Coordinate legislative strategy across the Department of Safety, its agencies, and other City agencies.
Provide advice to the Executive Director, his executive team and members of Safety leadership on matters of strategic partnerships and engagement in policy and legislative affairs.
Represent the department at community meetings, public events, and on committees and task forces as assigned.
Partner with staff in other city departments, including the Mayor’s and City Council offices, on citywide initiatives, emergent priorities, and legislation.